In the last 12 months the UK has seen a dramatic increase in the number of establishments that provide skin treatments such as pedicures using Garra rufa or Dr. Fish.
The RSPCA has received a number of calls from members of the public concerned about the welfare of the fish.
Whilst there is currently very little scientific evidence on the health and welfare implications for these fish, the Health Protection Agency has produced some guidance, which the RSPCA fed into. This can be found at:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1317130999316
The RSPCA are in the process of commissioning scientific research into the welfare implications for fish being used in this way, the initial results of which we hope will be available in 12 -18 months. In the meantime there are a number of things that should be done to minimise the welfare impact on fish currently being used.
This briefing highlights some of the key areas that we would encourage local authorities to highlight to any establishments in their area to ensure that fish welfare is protected and proprietors stay the right side of the law with regard to animal welfare.